“But we could, nonetheless, if people wanted us to, divert that science and we could have this ‘smell free’ Brussels sprout. Of course it would be limited in the flavour that you would get from it.

“But on the other hand from the point of view of enjoying Christmas lunch, you could have this more, what shall we say, ‘inert’ Brussels sprout that might appeal to people.”

He added: “[It] certainly would not give you an experience later on that day or the day after from eating such a sulphur-containing vegetable.”

The science involves identifying the pheromones in chemical smells that can repel insect pests. In turn, it confuses the insects own sensory perceptions and protecting a crop without having to deal with pesticides.

Prof Pickett added: “We are going to have to concentrate on food production because we are going to have food shortages in the world.

“I think it is perhaps a good idea, to have on the menu… some ideas for making fresh vegetables more palatable.”

It comes after doctors today said Brussels sprouts should come with a health warning after a man was admitted to hospital by eating them.